Prophecy Proclaimed: Zechariah 11:12-13
Prophecy Fulfilled: Matthew 26:14-16 and 27:3-10
Reading His Story
Read Zechariah 11:12-13
God uses the prophet Zechariah here to pronounce judgment (some 500 years before Jesus Christ) because the people of that day had rejected Zechariah and, by extension, the Lord Himself, as their shepherd. At the same time, the prophet points us to a future day—notice that Zechariah is directed to take “the thirty pieces of silver and (throw) them into the house of the Lord for the potter.”
Read Matthew 26:14-16 and 27:3-10 and John 13:26-27
Jesus had been Judas’ shepherd for three close years—guiding, providing, sustaining, and walking beside him. Jesus had treated this man with the same love He showed to all of His disciples; He washed Judas’ feet and sent those feet away in haste toward their appointed treachery saying, “What you do, do quickly.” How the Lord’s heart must have broken in that moment. After betraying Jesus, Judas, with remorse but without repentance, “threw down the pieces of silver in the temple.” The Chief Priests “bought with them the potter’s field” as a burial place for strangers.
Writing Your Story
No one knows the pain of betrayal better than Jesus, yet He looked on His lost disciple with love, sharing with him a last morsel of bread and a last opportunity to change directions. Have you a betrayer you need to forgive? Have you a course you need to amend?
Day 14 | Jesus—Man of Sorrows
December 14, 2020
Our Christmas Gift to You!
December 26, 2020
It’s been our pleasure to bring you the mini Bible study, “25 Days of Anticipation” from Love Worth Finding. If you’ve enjoyed the advent journey, we’d love to come alongside you with additional free resources. Here are some ideas to consider. 1) If you’re still unsure about your personal relationship with Jesus Christ, we invite you to listen to some messages from Pastor Adrian Rogers. We think you’ll find both comfort and hope in Pastor Rogers’ simply stated explanation of the Gospel. [Discover Jesus]http://(https://www.lwf.org/discover-jesus) 2) The holidays can be a difficult time for some people. If you’re struggling at this or any time of year, we have some dedicated resources just for you. [Biblical Guidance]http://(https://www.lwf.org/biblical-guidance/problems-troubles) 3) Perhaps you’re a new Christian. If so, welcome to the family! One of the best ways to get started in your new faith walk is to complete the series “What Every Christian Ought to Know,” from Pastor Adrian Rogers, offered free of charge from Love Worth Finding. [What Every Christian Ought to Know]http://(https://www.lwf.org/what-every-christian-ought-to-know-individual-study) 4) If you’ve been with Love Worth Finding for some time, you know that our heart is to bring people to Jesus Christ and mature them in the faith. Maybe God is calling you to support that mission. Find out how to partner with us. [Why LWF]http://(https://www.lwf.org/why-lwf) **Again, thanks so much for joining us. Be sure and check back with us soon at http://lwf.org for more encouragement from Love Worth Finding with Pastor Adrian Rogers.**
Day 25 | Jesus—Soon-Coming King
December 25, 2020
**Prophecy Proclaimed: Isaiah 9:7** **Prophecy Fulfilled: Revelation 19:11-16** # Reading His Story *Read Isaiah 9:7* The word “advent” means “coming” or “arrival.” We have been studying the life of Jesus for the month of December in preparation for the celebration of Jesus’ first advent in Bethlehem. It is also a time to celebrate anew the advent of Jesus as Savior in our own lives and to anticipate His coming again. The fact is Christ has come. He is present in the world today. And He will come again in power. *Read Revelation 19:11-16* This passage should leave us breathless. Despite all the challenges we have faced this year—and in every other difficult year—when Jesus comes again, He will right every wrong. As Isaiah said, “Of the increase of His government and peace, there will be no end.” We do not know the day or the hour, but we can be certain that this prophecy, too, shall be fulfilled—perhaps in only a moment. # Writing Your Story Those who know the Lord Jesus Christ as their Soon-Coming King have a privileged identity and unshakable confidence in this life and are forever safe in His realm. Where is your hope for the coming New Year? For the next decade? For eternity?
Day 24 | The Ascended One
December 24, 2020
**Prophecy Proclaimed: Psalm 68:18** **Prophecy Fulfilled: Mark 16:19** # Reading His Story *Read Psalm 68:18* Through His finished work on the cross, Jesus literally took sin as His prisoner for all time. During this beautiful Christmas season, we have beheld Him as a babe in Mary’s arms, looked Him in the eyes as a friend who walks alongside us, and seen Him through tears as the silent suffering servant on Calvary’s cross. Let’s take a wide-eyed look at Him today as the conquering warrior who defeated death, “led captivity captive,” and, victorious evermore, ascended on high. *Read Mark 16:19* Here are two things to ponder today about Jesus’ position at God’s right hand. 1) Ephesians 1:20-21 says that this position is, "… far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come." 2) Romans 8:34 teaches, "Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us." # Writing Your Story Jesus Christ is the greatest authority of all time. Though He has every right to do so, He does not condemn His sin-ridden subjects. In fact, as believers face the difficulties of this life, He is actually praying for us. Could we have a more powerful prayer warrior than the Ascended One?